nepotism

PRONUNCIATION:

(NEP-uh-tiz-uhm)

MEANING:

noun:
Favoritism shown to relatives and friends, especially in business or
political appointments.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Italian nepotismo, from Latin nepos (grandson, nephew). Ultimately from
the Indo-European root nepot- (grandson, nephew) that is also the source of
the words nephew and niece. Earliest documented use: 1669.

NOTES:

The word originated from the practice of popes in the Roman Catholic
Church to confer important positions to their sons. Since a pope had taken
the vow of chastity, his son was euphemistically called a nephew.

I believe the greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be
seen, heard, understood, and touched by them. The greatest gift I can give
is to see, hear, understand, and touch another person. -Virginia Satir,
psychotherapist and author (26 Jun 1916-1988)